Eddie Castillo

We have been blessed to know Eddie Castillo since 1977. My mom and his mom, my Godmother, shared a special bond working together at a bridal factory, and we would spend time at their house as my mom would help her with some work they would bring home. I consider Eddie and his siblings like my cousin since we grew up together, and I would love to go over their house all the time because it was never a dull moment - he used to make us laugh all the time. He was so outgoing, always happy, and I never saw him upset. He would always joke around with my Godmother, Mari, all the time while she was cooking or working in the basement. Once we all grew up and had our own lives, we did not keep in touch, but that did not matter because when we did see each other, it felt like we never stopped keeping in touch. I will miss you dearly, but I will not say goodbye - instead, I will say till we see each other on the other side. We love you the Yanez family .

God is my witness that often I reminisce on my life´s most fondest memories, especially those that bring a smile to my face. And even though I never told him this personally, and many years have passed by since it occurred, one of those beautiful memories was with LALITO CASTLLO. I know you all know him as Eddie, but my family & I know him as dear Lalito...

You see, I grew up with the Castillo Family in the same apartment building on the south side of Chicago back in the 70s. Seeing Lalito, Pancholin & Lucy, including Rosi & Cache, was an everyday experience. We were all family... going to the same school, enjoying Hulla Hoops, ice cream from ice cream vans, fire hydrants open wide on the streets during the suffocating heat of Chicago´s summer days, and most of all, absolutely loving the greatest songs on the radio OF ALL TIME at that time. The 70s, in my opinion, produced by far some of the most greatest hits! Even though I mainly spoke Spanish at that early age, I was always tuned into the radio listening to English hits. And I know that Lalito was, too

I really fell in love with the song "BETH" by the group KISS. Every time it was on the radio, I LOVED it! And one day, Lalito came over to our apartment and showed us some of the new vinyl records he had just bought. To our surprise, one of the songs he bought was "BETH" from KISS and my Mom told him I loved that song. So what did Lalito do? Lalito gave me the vinyl record of the song and I got soooo happy!!! He had bought it for himself but he decided to give it to me. I remember my Mom wanted to give Lalito money for it, but he refused. He wanted me to have it and keep it. And so I played the song day in and day out on my Pa´s record player!

I remember this fond memory as if it were yesterday. And I wish I could have told Lalito that.

My heart remains close to the Castillo Family, whom I love, no matter the time & distance that separates us. Lalito´s parents, Lalo & Mari, hold a special place in my heart and were always so kind & generous to all, especially to their children. Lalito had a heart of gold because that´s what his parents taught him. He was a kind soul and saw the best in others, and loved to make others happy ... LIKE HE DID WITH ME WITH THE RECORD HE GAVE ME

Thank you Lalito because I will never forget your kindness towards me. You are in my heart, as are your parents Lalo & Mari, as is Lucy & Pancholin. I love you.

Your cousin, Linda Torres (formerly Linda Lopez)